1st Class or 2nd Class

[snpr520]

If you had the option to ride on the youth 2nd class and save 200 bucks for 15 days of travel, would you?

or Pay the extra 200 bucks and have a seat that reclines and have a meal?

Do any of you experienced travelers have any advice weather it is worth the extra money?

[freshsprout]

Hello. I'm not a huge expert since I have yet to step on the trains.. but from my research on here and in guidebooks - I think it's gonna come down to how much comfort REALLY means to you. Someone on here said it best: 1st and 2nd class, although one may be somewhat more luxurious than the other, both will get you there at the same time.

You can save your money and grab some food at market or your hostel and stash it in your bag prior to the train, then use that leftover money for souvenirs or something else. I'm planning on taking 2 long train trips on my upcoming adventure and plan on doing 2nd class.

[lia]

...I'd save the 200 bucks for something more fun than a comfortable trip by train..but it's a question of priorities. I'd rather offer a dinner to my trip-mates than spend that money to travel in 1st class. but that's up to you

[Eagle]

snpr520, if you have the option to buy a second Class Railpass, that would be a good choice. I don't have that option since I'm "old", so my only option is to buy first class. Both first and second class cars travel at exactly the same speed and arrive at the destination at exactly the same time, so saving a few dollars is always good!

have a seat that reclines and have a meal?

In my experieince, any railway food items are usually sold separately, which means you'll be paying for those regardless of whether you're travelling first or second class. The food is provided either by a vendor cart that goes through each car, or on some trains there is an actual "restaurant car". It's a bit of a problem for me to use the restaurant car, as I usually travel "solo", which means I have to haul my Backpack along with me and that's a bit of a "pain". The railway food is a bit on the "pricey" side at times, so I tend not to buy anything, except for a cup of coffee or occasionally a sandwich. The trips are usually fairly short, so food is not a major concern.

Regarding the seats - yes, the first class seats are more comfortable, much like airline seating. Many of the newer trains have power points for Laptops and sometimes a small TV screen. However, you'll have to decide whether those minor advantages are worth the extra cost?

If you haven't travelled in Europe previously, you would probably find it worthwhile to read the "Rail Skills" section in Rick Steves Europe Through The Back Door (should be available in your local Library or book store). There are a few other "pitfalls" with rail travel that you should be aware of (for example, not all cars on a train will be going to the same destination).

Hope this helps. Cheers!!!